What is an input?
A signal from a real world environment that gets turned into an electrical signal
Give examples of different input devices
Keyboard, motion sensor, switch, button
What does a process do in terms of engineering control systems?
Takes an electrical signal from an input block and alter it
Give examples of different types of process devices
Timers, comparators, pulse units, counters, latches
Describe the function of a timer
Takes a signal and keeps it high or low for a set period of time
Describe the function of a comparator
Compares signals with a reference signal
Describe the function of a pulse unit
Produces a continuous series of digital pulses
Describe the function of a counter
Adds up the number of signals or pulses they receive, the information can then be displayed
Describe the function of latches
Keeps a signal high or low until they are reset
Describe what a logic gate is
Digital process devices that respond to and emit signals that are either high or low
What are truth tables?
Used to show output signals for each type of logic gate and produces given input signals
Give the three types of logic gates
AND
OR
NOT
An AND gate produces a high (1) output signal when..?
Both input signals are high (1)
An OR gate produces a high (1) output signal when..?
Either or both input signals are high (1)
A NOT gate produces a high (1) output signal when..?
The input signal is low (0)
What does an output do?
Takes an electrical signal and turn it back into a signal from the real world environment
Give examples of output devices
Light, speaker, screen, buzzer
State the difference between a open loop system and a closed loop system
Open loop - has no feedback loop
Closed loop - has at least one feedback loop
Give the benefits of a closed loop systems
More robust less likely to be affected by external disturbances
More accurate
Give the benefits of an open loop system
Less complicated therefore easier to design and maintain
Less costly to produce as they have less components
Give some applications of open loop systems
Simple timer and latching systems
Simple electronic counters
Give some applications of closed loop system
Temperature control and heating systems
Automatic security lighting systems
Robotic arms/vehicles
Define a transfer function in terms of engineering control systems
A representation of contents of each block within a systems diagram
What is a summing point?
The algebraic sum of the reference input signal R(s) and feedback signal B(s), resulting in the error signals E(s) and C(s) is the output signal.
